Comelec Cuts COC Filing Period to 11 Days

MANILA, July 15 -- Candidates seeking national and local positions in next year's polls are given only 11 days to file their Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) before the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

This as the poll body released on Wednesday the calendar of activities for the May 10, 2010 national and local elections.

In a nine-page resolution, the Comelec said the candidates can file their COCs for all elective positions, whether national or local, from Nov. 20 to Nov. 30, this year.

The 11-day COC filing period is much shorter than that of the 2007 elections, which was from Jan. 15 to Feb. 12, 2007 for those running for national positions, including party-list organizations.

For those running for local government posts in the same 2007 polls, the filing period for COCs was from Jan. 15 to March 29, 2007.

Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez did not give any specific reason on why they decided to cut the COC filing period for next year's polls.

"It doesn't matter (if it is shorter) because people don't file early anyway. They file in the latter part of the period, so what is the use of the extra 20 days?" Jimenez said.

Earlier, Comelec Chairman Jose Melo had said they might set the filing of the COCs at an earlier period since the country will be using an automated system for the 2010 elections.

While shortening the period for filing of the COCs, the poll body is giving voters a longer voting period as the polling precincts will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., or three hours longer than the traditional 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The overseas absentee voting, on the other hand, will begin one month ahead of the voting in the country, or on April 10, 2010 until May 10.

Comelec Resolution 8646 also set the start of the campaign period for national-level candidates on Feb. 9, 2010 until May 8, 2010.

The local candidates are allowed to begin their campaign on March 26, 2010, which will also end on May 8.

One day before the election or on May 9, all forms of campaigning at all levels are strictly prohibited.

The Election period will start on Jan. 10, 2010 until June 9, 2010 based on the provision of the Omnibus Election Code. (PNA)